Moles are destructive animals and can be frustrating at times. They are a big problem to farmers because they often contaminate silage making it unsuitable for livestock consumption. When these animals burrow into the ground, they damage crops in the farm. The damage is mainly due to the soil mounds created. Farm machinery is also not spared. The process of getting rid of moles requires that one has knowledge of the different types of the mammal and their behaviour.
When fully grown, these mammals are about 8 inches long on average. They have front feet that are clawed to make them suitable for burrowing. On most occasions they live by themselves; they only pair up during mating seasons. They make feeding tunnels about 12 inches below the ground and at each end of the tunnel is a mound of soil. Once they leave, the tunnel is never reused. Moles mainly feed on earthworms.
Continued burrowing by these mammals results in numerous hills scattered all over a garden or a lawn. This causes the affected areas to be disfigured. Burrows that are hidden may in some cases be a hazard to persons that visit these areas. Since they love grass, it is possible to get rid of them by reducing the area of land covered with grass. This can be achieved by creating paths and hedges. They will be forced to migrate to other areas.
The tunnels created by these mammals are frequently confused with tunnels created by pocket gophers. The latter are small underground rodents that feed on roots of crops by pulling them into their burrows. Gophers do not usually make ridges on lawns. Their tunnels are somewhat flattened and have semi-circular mounds at the ends.
Traps provide an effective way of controlling moles. Some of the recommended mole traps include harpoon, scissor jaw and choker loop types. Instructions should be read before using a particular trap type since each has a unique method of trapping. One should ensure that the traps are positioned in working surface burrows. The most ideal places to set the traps are the deeper tunnels since these are the ones used most frequently.
The home remedies are a quick and cheap solution to the problem. The only problem is that they only take care of the issue in the short term and may turn out to be very expensive in the end. The reduction of the numbers of insects and grubs in an attempt to reduce the food has been tried but found to be futile.
Barrier methods are effective in controlling moles living in small enclosed areas such as gardens. A metallic or hard cloth barrier measuring 24 by 20 inches is typically buried at the entrance or exit of a tunnel. The barrier is bent at the bottom to make a ninety degree angle. The barrier should be large enough to fully cover the exit points.
Poisons are used at times. Their effectiveness in getting rid of moles is less than that of traps. They have to be disguised in a way that they will attract the target. The main disadvantage is that it may not be possible to tell at times whether they have achieved their objective or not. In addition, the dead animals may begin to decompose and release an offensive smell.
When fully grown, these mammals are about 8 inches long on average. They have front feet that are clawed to make them suitable for burrowing. On most occasions they live by themselves; they only pair up during mating seasons. They make feeding tunnels about 12 inches below the ground and at each end of the tunnel is a mound of soil. Once they leave, the tunnel is never reused. Moles mainly feed on earthworms.
Continued burrowing by these mammals results in numerous hills scattered all over a garden or a lawn. This causes the affected areas to be disfigured. Burrows that are hidden may in some cases be a hazard to persons that visit these areas. Since they love grass, it is possible to get rid of them by reducing the area of land covered with grass. This can be achieved by creating paths and hedges. They will be forced to migrate to other areas.
The tunnels created by these mammals are frequently confused with tunnels created by pocket gophers. The latter are small underground rodents that feed on roots of crops by pulling them into their burrows. Gophers do not usually make ridges on lawns. Their tunnels are somewhat flattened and have semi-circular mounds at the ends.
Traps provide an effective way of controlling moles. Some of the recommended mole traps include harpoon, scissor jaw and choker loop types. Instructions should be read before using a particular trap type since each has a unique method of trapping. One should ensure that the traps are positioned in working surface burrows. The most ideal places to set the traps are the deeper tunnels since these are the ones used most frequently.
The home remedies are a quick and cheap solution to the problem. The only problem is that they only take care of the issue in the short term and may turn out to be very expensive in the end. The reduction of the numbers of insects and grubs in an attempt to reduce the food has been tried but found to be futile.
Barrier methods are effective in controlling moles living in small enclosed areas such as gardens. A metallic or hard cloth barrier measuring 24 by 20 inches is typically buried at the entrance or exit of a tunnel. The barrier is bent at the bottom to make a ninety degree angle. The barrier should be large enough to fully cover the exit points.
Poisons are used at times. Their effectiveness in getting rid of moles is less than that of traps. They have to be disguised in a way that they will attract the target. The main disadvantage is that it may not be possible to tell at times whether they have achieved their objective or not. In addition, the dead animals may begin to decompose and release an offensive smell.
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